Yasmany Tomas Could Join Braves
By Fred Owens
According to Jesse Sanchez over at MLB.com, the Braves are one of two front runners to sign Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas.
Tomas to the Braves?
Not yet but the Sanchez piece indicates that it’s laess of a fantasy than it seemed to be yesterday.
"The Braves and Padres have emerged as the frontrunners in the Tomas’ sweepstakes and top officials from both clubs are expected to meet with him this weekend in the Dominican Republic, according to industry sources."
The Phillies were initially thought to be favorites but the question of where he would play and visions of another Ryan Howard like albatross of a contract caused them to back off. The Braves moved up the list largely because the way the money may play out and the revitalization of the Latin American scouting and development program.
Show me the money
Initial reports had Tomas and his handler asking for a B.J. Upton sized contract worth $15M over five to seven years. That’s changing because of the speculation that Tomas may be a player without a position and end up as one of baseball’s dying breeds, an expensive DH. This apparently upset Tomas and he’s leaning towards a contract similar to that of Yoenis Cespedes; a shorter term deal that would allow him to get to free agency sooner.
Cespedes signed a four year $36M deal which makes him a free agent after the coming season. If Tomas takes a similar tack he could be less expensive than many free agent outfielders available to the Braves.The other interesting part of the plan is that it explains the trade of Tommy La Stella to the Cubs.
The La Stella trade returned not only Arodys Vizcaino but also the Cubs number two, three and four international signing slots and the associated money. Those slots brought an additional $830K in authorized money to the Braves bringing their existing $100K+ to nearly $1M in signing money. Tomas would not have been available for $100K but the $900K plus mighty just be enough to make the deal. Unlike Yoan Moncada whose signing would be subject to spending limits, Tomas is treated like any free agent and may be signed without spending limitations
Scouting and development
Two weeks ago the Braves restructured their scouting and development team. Part of that change was naming Tom Battista (national crosschecker), Marc Russo (director of international operations), Mike Silvestri (director of Latin American scouting) and Lebi Ochoa (senior advisor in player development). All of these additions have strong ties in Latin American baseball and Ochoa’s recent track record is pretty impressive.
While with the Marlines he signed Hanley Ramirez, Edgar Renteria, Anabal Sanchez and Alex Gonzalez. It’s worth noting that Skipper Fredi Gonzalez is Cuban as well. That could well tip the scales in favor of the Braves. . . or not, sometimes such things are overrated.
That’s A Wrap
The previous front office wasn’t interested in Cespedes or Jorge Solar or Jose Abreu but Hart and his team see possibilities and are moving towards making them a reality. The chase for Tomas is apparently real and extremely interesting. Rumors persist that the Braves will trade Justin Upton in a trade similar to the Jason Heyward deal freeing up the money to sign Tomas.
Such as deal would also leave a big hole in the offense that it’s unrealistic to expect Tomas to fill. He has power but he’s not Cespedes, Abreu or even Alfredo Despaigne. Tomas did play right field for the Cuban team so the position would be familiar so there seems to be a fit there.
The good news for Braves fans is that the team is trying to move forward and the idea of Tomas to Atlanta is gaining traction providing hope that the offense won’t be as pitiful as it was last year. Stay tuned here at the Take for updates on Tomas and other moves.
Updated at 13:18 EST to reflect Tomas position under international signing rules.